Written Expression and Grammar Flashcards
7 cards from real New Jersey Civil Service Exam practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Written Expression and Grammar flashcards as text
Which sentence avoids redundancy?
Answer: The committee reached a consensus.
'Reached a consensus' is not redundant; the other options repeat meaning ('final conclusion,' 'end result,' 'revert back').
Which option correctly uses an apostrophe to show joint ownership?
Answer: The captain and lieutenant's report was filed.
For joint ownership by two people, only the last noun takes the apostrophe: 'the captain and lieutenant's report.'
Choose the sentence with the correct use of 'who' vs. 'whom.'
Answer: To whom should I address this memo?
'Whom' is correct as the object of the preposition 'to'; use 'whom' when 'him/her' would be the answer.
Which sentence uses the word 'principal' correctly?
Answer: The principal reason for the delay was funding.
'Principal' as an adjective means 'main' or 'primary'; 'principle' is a noun meaning a rule or belief.
Which sentence is written in the most appropriate formal register for a government report?
Answer: The responsible party failed to complete the required filing within the designated timeframe.
Formal government writing uses precise, professional language without slang, vague terms, or colloquialisms.
Which sentence correctly uses a hyphen?
Answer: She is a well-known employee.
Compound modifiers before a noun are hyphenated ('well-known employee'), but not when they follow the noun ('the employee is well known').
Identify the sentence that correctly uses 'amount' vs. 'number.'
Answer: A large number of officers were present.
'Number' is used with countable nouns (officers), while 'amount' is used with uncountable quantities.